Marine marker



March 20, 1956 s. w. WOODARD 3 MARINE MARKER Filed Nov. 27, 1948 sSheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

STANLEY W. WOODA RD March 20, 1956 s. w. WOODARD MARINE MARKER 3Sheets-Sheet 2 11v EN T 0R. .STAN LEY WJ/iic mDARD.

Filed NOV. 27, 1948 March 20, 1956 s. w. WOODARD MARINE MARKER 3Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 27, 1948 3mm STANLEYWWOODARD MARINE MARKERStanley W. Woodard, Houston, Tex., assignor, by mesne assignments, toMarine Marker Corporation, Houston, Tex., a corporation of TexasApplication November 27, 1948, Serial N 0. 62,365

2 Claims. (Cl. 340-3) The invention relates to a marker and inparticular to a submarine marker for repeatedly and accurately locatinga predetermined point in a submerged area.

It is often necessary to return to a given point in a water covered areaas where operations are to be carried out with sunken objects or whereprospecting, drilling, or production is to be had from sub-surfacegeological structures. Unless such a point can be located from landpositions, which is sometimes impossible and is often inconvenient, itis usually very difficult to determine accurately the location of thepreviously determined point.

Heretofore it has been common practice to mark the point with a buoy,but this is disadvantageous in that the buoy may become loosened fromits anchor, destroyed by contact from moving objects. Furthermore, theanchor for the buoy may drag or shift along the bottom due to tide andcurrent movements, and in such case, the buoy would not give a trueindication of the predetermined point. The presence of the buoy alsocreates hazards to the fishing industry and to navigation generally.

Sometimes a tower is erected in the water to mark a selected point. Thisis expensive and time consuming, presents hazards to the fishingindustry and to navigation comparable to those mentioned above.

An object of the present invention is to provide a marine marker ofwhich its location can be readily ascertained and which avoids the aboveenumerated diificulties.

Another object of the invention is to provide a marine marker which is aself-contained automatic signalling device which can be positioned on asubmerged surface to permit location thereof as a determined point.

The invention further relates to a marine marker which is particularlyadapted for use in horizontal surveying over water covered areas.

With the advent of well drilling over water covered areas, such asmarshes, bays, and gulfs, it is desirable to obtain advance informationregarding the sub-surface formation, geology, and characteristics.

There are, of course, difierent modes of sub-surface prospecting, suchas seismic, electrical, electro-magnetic, and gravity meter proceduresfor investigating the subsurface conditions.

All of these procedures require some modification from the over landpractice when they are to be utilized over water covered areas becauseof the fact that it is difiicult to determine an exact base point forthe survey orfor the triangulation procedure where the earths surface issubmerged in the water.

It is an object to provide a marine marker whichmay be deposited on theearths surface adjacent the area which is to be surveyed, where suchmarker is a selfcontained unit capable of operation for long periods oftime without being serviced, and so that such marker will transmitdefinite and identifiable signals to enable its relocation whensubmerged in the water.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a marine marker andsignalling device which will permit sound measurements in the vicinitythereof.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a marine markerwhich will transmit a signal of a suitable type, such as sonic orultrasonic, which is distinguishable from other adjacent and similarmarkers as to tone, sequence of signalling, or strength and type ofsignal.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a marker whichtransmits a signaL'which due to its tone, sequence, strength, et cetera,will enable the operator to determine the proximate distance ofobservations from the marker because of the type of signal.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a marker which,because of the timing and intermittent use thereof, prolongs the life ofthe power source so that for instance the signal may operate for only arelatively short period of total signalling during any particularperiod.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a marker device tobe submerged on a water covered area whereby the signal therefrom may beadjusted as to timing, tone, or strength; may be adjusted to obtain asignal pattern capable of use in horizontal over water surveying.

It goes without saying that in making a survey of a water covered areait is necessary to establish certain base points and other points ofreference which may be readily located in order to tie-in the other dataof the survey.

The relocation of such points or markers is also desirable when theoperators are correlating the sub-surface prospecting data with thehorizontal survey information.

Another object of the invention is to provide a marine marker whichcarries a source of electrical energy, a source of mechanical energy,and a mechanism whereby the electrical energy may be utilized to restorethe mechanical energy, so as to transmit a periodic signal for a longperiod of time.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for therewinding of a spring driven clockat periodic intervals by connecting arewinding device to an independent source of power.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a rewindingmechanism for a clock in a submerged marine marker so that a signal willbe transmitted due to the operation of such clock for long periods oftime.

Another object of the invention is to provide a spring driven clock.rewinding device connected into a motor circuit so that the rewindingdevice will be actuated upon the expending of a predetermined amount ofthe mechanical energy of the clock spring and shut ofl? when the springhas been wound, so that the clock may operate for long periods of timewithout being serviced.

Other and'further objects of the invention will be readily apparent whenthe following description is considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a transverse sectional view of the marine marker housing andillustrating the arrangement of the mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the timing switch as seen on theline 2-2 of Fig. l;

,Fig. 3 is a view looking at the striker mechanismin the upper righthand corner of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged end elevation of the striker mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a plan view looking down on the timing mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1 looking upwardly atthe rewinding control member;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view through the slip ring constructionand taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 shows a modified arrangement of the mechanism.

wherein a single electric motor actuates the "signals and rewtnds theclock or mechanical source of power.

The signalling device is embodied in the formshown I Fatented Mar. 20,I956 ntennas.

form with; the sloping sid.es .4..so that rnets 7 andcables. will.slide. .over the marker: and; thus minimize. its. obstruct onv tonavigation.

The housingghas-a'removable. cover plate. whichamay.

be suitably affixed in order-to provide: a watertight interior, 6 inwhich the mechanism 7 and-the batteries 8 and .9: will bev deposited;

The batteries & and Bare disposed in-the lower-portion of the housingand are surmountedby the,floonor-par;

tition; lLwhich supports .the .mechanism. 7. The partition 11 isrrnade.upof. separate :Pieces; on boards so. that they;

may be removed through a the top. 1 of thehOusing;

The-partition serves as=a-.supp.ortfor the spring motor 15. Such clocks.are readily-availableonthemarket and arerarranged so that a shaft16'projecting;therefrom may have a disc 17 deposited thereon in=-suc h,manner that the upstanding pins 3.8. spaced on the periphery, of thedisc 17 will be caused to engage the switch arm 20 astheclock operateson a predetermined schedule at a known and constant rate of speed. Any.suitabletiming device may be used to replace the clock.

Theswitch arrn- 'is afiixed on the switch). 21, thusseen in Fig.2 wherethe switch'is pivoted-on an ;upright stud which carries a bracket. The;arm isnormally: held in retracted positionby a spring 22, andits-position. maybe adjusted by the set screw 23 through. the supportbracket 22.. When-one of the-pins: 18 engages the; arm

20 it will move the switch .toclosed position; WhiCh' C1OS S thecircuit25 between the battery8 and-thestriker.actuating motor 26-. The switch,20 remains closed for; butashort; period of time, so as'to, minimize;the current drawn from the battery 8.

Themotor. 26 has the shaft 27 projecting therefrom which is arrangedwith aplurality of cam faces 28;. These: faces will move against aprojection. Zilcarriedzby the; striker arm 30, which isnormallyvheld in.engagement with-the sounding portion 31 of thehousing bya spring 32.. Asthe-cam.28 passes-beyond the-projection 29 the spring32-will'snap thestriker arm bacleagainst thesound:

portion 31 ofthehousing to transmitan audible signal. It seems obviousthat by arranging camsoffldifierent configuration and; spacing, and armsof diiferent types; thathettonezandseqnence ofthe signalmayrbe adjusted.By. Pmvidingvdiffercnt springs 32, oradjusting these springstoaidifierentrtension, variationsin theaoperation of 'th'e differentstrikers; may" be. obtained .to give L dfi'erent r intent sity of thesignals.

It seems: obvious that any desired-= number Y of! armsv or anwdifierentcombination of' SignaIsQ-may be readily-dc: Std;

Particular attention is directed: to. the fact that the signals wilbbetransmitted for but-avery; short period of" time in order to minimizethe current use from thebat tery; 8; This-minimum amountof" signallingis also of advantage because the transmittedsignal will nottherefore-:interfere with any other sound operations or-with other surveyswhich are being conducted in: the vicinity. Thea-pins: 18' may bereadily adjusted' soas to-givev the desired sequence or pattern ofsignal desired.

It: is intended that: the devicewill=be insthe form of a self-containedunit which can be submerged' and"will" operate for-long periods of time;The clock 15 may of course be of a' size to operate fora substantialperiod;

but on' the other hand-it is-desirablethatthe-clock or the mechanicalenergy-thereof be restored"from-timetotime: Iii-other words, it isdesirable -to rewind' 'the clock withoutretrieving I thesignallingdevice or -marker--fr om* its submerged position. 7

'Ihisrewinding mechanism-is bestseen in Fig. 1; wherein a square shaft40 projects upwardly from the clock 15. Removably dispcsed'on the shaft40 is the control "plate 41 which has a non-circular; opening to fit theshaft 40, and this plate is provided with adjustably extending pins 42.Any desired number and circumferential spacing of these pins may beprovided.

Projecting between the pins42 is a control switch 45 which is disposedin .a:circuitSfldncluding the battery 9 and the motor 51.

The-purpose ofthe switch 45 'is-to control therewindingof the springmotor. Whentheclock-1-5 has run for a predetermined period the plate 41will have turned throughagportion ofa circle sov that one ofqthegpins 42will engage the switch 45. This closing of the switch closes the circuitso that the motor-51 will start operation to turn the rewindingmechanism, including the plate 41 and the shaft 40. When the clock hasbeen rewound to a predetermined extent. one. of c the; other; arms =.42.will engage, theswitch 45. to open thecircuiu In ,othenwords, anautomatic. rewinding mechanism,has.been providcdt in: orderto transmitthe power of themotor-Sl to the clock shaft 49 aworm on the motorengagcsapin: ion 61 onthe rewinding shaft 62.. Thisrewinding shaft.forms. aportion of an inverted cup. 63 disposedover the: topof-theplate41. A coil spring64= in thecup 63, has oneend anchored to thecup and one end anchored to thc: upstanding. projection 65-on the plate41, In thisrnanncr; aresilient driving connection is'providedbetween;the. motorand the clock shaft 40.

Therewinding shaft 6 2;ha s,the slipringsfill and-J1.

mounted thereon, and theseslip rings hayethe. contacts. 72.and,73.-of,the clock engaging; the slip ringsfll). and 7-1 respectively.These contacts. constitute apart.oii the .-.c1,1.':-

cuit 50.. The. switch 45 is connectedacrossthe: rings ,70 and71 and;rotates with them.-

The operation of the rewinding mechanism is as follows;-

Startingwith the position, wherethe. clock has-been;

wound and is now operating to..tur n .theplate 17 v the pins; 18, asthe. clock spring runsadown, At the beginning; of this :unwinding orrunning downof the;c1ock-, there is a balance between theclock; springand-,therewinding spring 64. The motor 51 was-caused to, shut ofitocease the rewinding mechanism because the torque applied. to.the-extension 65 between .cup,63 and thcesnring fl was.

insufficient to turn the plate 41 against the resistancerof.

The torque in the spring 64 is appliedconstantlyagainst.

the rewindiugshaft.40v of thegclock Assthe cloclc unwindsait reducesthe. resistanceto: of; the-shaft nd'hecau e h i Pri gis applyin t;ntinuous arsus; always equal to or. greater than, the-tqrque-of tha-clock. spring-, thespring64-will tend, .to turn the, plate-.41 and-pins42am a manner comparable with the running downofthe clock 15, When the.clock hassufliciently rundown thatthe torque in the spring 64 is thusenabled -to tnrnzthe plate 41 and-pins42, one of thepinsAZwill.againstrike hesw t h nn.45 moving-itq theoppo ite .orcltisedposi tion. to close the. circuit to the. motor 5.1. i

hen. thezoper tion. of he, motor 1. gin a nce. he lock p g is. n its .uwc ndi ta e, he esi tance 0111c. winding ofthe clock is smallat first,b.u t as thqwnngling continuesand the clock spring is further W.o.und itoffers continuously increasing. resistance to winding and. whereupon theresistance causes .spring 64to startwind: ing; This relative movementcauses the switch 4519 move aheadof the pin 42.. As the windingcontinues the switch, continues to. move aheadof .the plate 41;, A the.clock spring resistance increasesthe springtit windsup to some extent sothat the pins 42.;and1p1ate 4 1 lag with respect-to the switch 45: Thusthe switch 45' carried by he d strnentof. he. pins t 8QY=- the cup 63moves into engagement with a pin 42 to shut off the switch and thus themotor 51. The cycle of unwinding and rewinding and the turning on andshutting ofi of the switch 45 is thus a continuous automaticarrangement.

It is apparent from the foregoing that a continuous and automaticoperation of the Winding and signalling mechanism is conducted over longperiods of time with the use of but a small amount of current, the motor51 being operated by the battery 9, while motor 26 is operated by thebattery 8, as controlled by pins 18 and switch arm 20.

From the foregoing it is apparent that the rewinding mechanism will beautomatically actuated to rewind the clock at periodic intervals. Thisarrangement is to advantage because it is only for a relatively shortperiod that power is drawn from the battery 9.

It seems apparent that at the time the marker is do posited it can beadusted so as to predetermine the sequence and strength of the signal byproviding dilferent cams of different configuration and springs 32 ofdifferent strength or adjustment, a considerable variety of signals maybe arranged. The signal will be transmitted through the water to bedetected by the operators through the use of suitable hydrophones whichare available on the market, and it seems obvious that a signal may bedispatched which can be readily detected so as to identify the marker.

With the arrangement provided the batteries 8 and 9 will furnishsufficient power to operate the marker for long periods of time, becausethe signal may be arranged to be transmitted for but a few seconds outof each minute or hour of the day. The signal may be arranged so that itwill not interfere with any other sound surveying operation. The signalwill not vary or fade due to weakness of the battery, and the signal ofconstant magnitude or intensity will be provided. The signals may bereadily coded.

A plurality of the strikers may be arranged or the pattern of the signalpredetermined, so that certain signals will be identifiable at onedistance while another signal will be identifiable at an entirelydifferent distance. Thus, one signal may indicate that the observer isin the general vicinity of the marker, while another signal may indicateclose proximity to the marker.

While mechanically operable strikers have been shown and described, itseems very obvious that the energy from the operation of the strikerscould be very readily connected to execute the transmission of anelectrical, radio, electromagnetic, or audio wave signal. In someinstances combination audio and radio transmitters could be provided.

While mechanically operable strikers have been shown and described, itseems obvious that the energy could be employed to operate othersuitable and known types of signalling devices. For example, eitherdirect or alternating current could be passed between two electrodesspaced an appreciable distance apart in the water adacent the markerhousing and which electrodes are connected to the power source withinthe marker by means of suitable cables passing through the housing.

The electrical field set up by this current could be detected by meansof suitable electrodes in contact with the water at the surface, boat,or control point, and which are connected to suitable apparatus fordetecting potential difference, such as a potentiometer.

The power source could also be used to pass alternating current throughan induction coil laying in the water outside the marker but which isconnected to the power source through a suitable alternating currentgenerator within the marker by means of suitable cable or cables passingthrough the housing. The electromagnetic field set up in this mannercould be detected by means of a suitable search coil which is in thevicinity of the marker and which is attached to suitable apparatus fordetecting such fields, such as an electronic amplifier.

Again, the power could be used to operate a radio transmitter whichwould be used to send a radio-frequency electromagnetic field throughthe water.

Perhaps the most important substitution of another type signaling devicein place of the strikers would be another type of sound transmitter.There are various types of under water sound transmitters which are wellknown and which could be used to replace the strikers. Such transmitterscould be usedto produce signals of any desired frequency or combinationof frequencies which could range from low sonic frequencies to highultrasonic frequencies. As an example, one type of under water soundtransmitter which could be used is the Fessenden oscillator, which isillustrated in Patent 1,610,779 issued to I. R. Hewett. The diaphragm ofthe oscillator could be mounted in the top of the housing or in one ofthe sides, whichever were more convenient. In this particular case thesignal transmitted might be a single fixed predetermined frequency. Suchfrequency could be diiferent from different markers as a means ofidentifying one marker from another.

It is intended that the marker and housing shall incorporate sufiicientweight to give stability to the marker so that it will not readily shiftits position but which can be conveniently handled, and can be removedfrom the water bottom when desired.

The intermittent signal of course serves to minimize the power used,and, of course, any prospecting or signalling operations which are beingconducted in the vicinity can be synchronized to take place between thelocating signals.

The general assembly generally includes a mechanical source of power,which is the clock spring and the electrical sources of power which arethe batteries 8 and 9. By a combination of mechanism and switches, whichare incorporated in the electric circuits, it is possible to replenishor renew the mechanical energy for use in controlling the electricalenergy for operating the mechanical signals. In other words, there is aninterconnection between the electrical and mechanical energies so as toprovide a signal device capable of providing constant signals for longperiods of time in a self-contained unit.

In some instances a relatively weak signal may be desired and the soundof the clock escapement mechanism might be used.

Fig. 8 of the drawing shows a modified arrangement of the mechanismwherein the clock 15 has been replaced with a suitable timing device,which includes the rewinding mechanism, as described in connection withFig. 1. This modified arrangement constitutes a combination of the motorshaft 27 and the rewinding mechanism through the shaft 40 of the clock.

In the details of this mechanism, as shown in the righthand of Fig. 8where the rewinding spring 64 drives the extension 65, the clock hasbeen omitted and the shaft 40 supported in a bearing 73. A second drum,or barrel, 74 is fixed to the end 75 of the shaft 40 beyond the hearing73 and carries a coil type rewinding spring 76. This spring is anchoredto the barrel 74 at its outer end and to a drive shaft 77 at the otherend. This drive shaft is supported in the bearings 79 and carries a geartrain 78. Any suitable number or ratio of gears may be provided to drivethe stub shaft 80 mounted in the bearings 81.

A governor 82 of the centrifugal type is mounted on the stub shaft 80 toobtain a uniform rotation of the shaft.

The governor 82 may be replaced by a suitable escapement mechanism.

The stub shaft 80 has a plurality of cams 85 thereon which may be ofdifferent types or configurations to actuate the plurality of strikers86 pivoted on a support shaft 87 in bearings 88.

With this arrangement the switch 45 controls the circuits and the switch21 may be omitted.

This arrangement constitutes a second set of strikers in addition to thestrikers 30, of Fig. l, which are illustrated in the right hand side ofFig. 8.

The advantage of the strikers 86 is to provide a continuimmacous: signal"becauserise: strikers will; be continuously open ated by the drivingspring:76; which is -in :turndriven-by the -:sprin g 64 The: governor-82" controls the: rateat whichthespring 76 andjin turn spring-64amunwound.

With the -foregoingarrangement the strikers 30:- will operateintermittently by directdrivefromthe motor- 1, while a on .the otherhand the strikers 86 will "operate :con: tinually' because- -wherr-themotor:winds up the spring.64 and the motoris shut-off, the-spring 64-continues-to drive. the shaft 75, whichdn-turn-continues to rotate the.drive shaft77" until'the-resistance: of the spring 76 isrreduced to suchan-extent--by thetorquefromthe spring: 64 that the pins-42 will againturn on th'e switch 45' and the motor 51;

In this-arrangement, therefore, the power from thebattery source 9 -to--the-moto1= 51; will beused at shor hand period-id intervals-and-=thestrikers will actually operate onlywhen thei motor isrunning:The mechanismserves to rewind both the springs 64 and 77 sothat-thecombination; thereof will keep the-strikers 86- operatingcontinually at aconstant rate:

This-application relates-to-the-same general subject mat-v ter-as rn-ypriorco-pendingapplications, Serial-Number 36,552, refiled as thisapplication, filed July 1, 1948;.fona Marine- Marker, and SerialNumb'er, 46,807 filedAugust 3, 1948, now PatentNo.v 2,594,702 datedApril 29; 1952, for a Retrievable Marine Marker:

Broadly; theinvention contemplates. at self-contained? uninmarinemarker-which can be--dep )sitedupon water covered areas and thenrelocated by detecting thesignals; which are discharged therefrom.

What is claimed is:

1: Almarinemarker, comprising; asubmerged-housing; asignal generatormounted'=in--said housing and'including: a meeh-anical signalstriker;anelectric motor=dri-ving saidstriker; an electric circuitconnectingsaid electriomot-or: manpower-"source, a normally; open switch: means insaid a circuit, a switchclosing elementconstructed "and arranged toclose said switch meansabpre-determined"intervals,

a spring-motor-drivingly connected :to'said switch-closing means, andre-windingmeausiconnectedtosaid'springr motor including a second springmotor drivingl-y connected to the first-named springimotor-tobeunwound-by unwinding of the latter and to re-wind said first-named?springmotor, a--second electriomotor-drivinglytconnectedi 8 tmsaid?second spring-:motonto rewind the latter, asecond circu-it' connectingsaid second electric motor toapower source; aiseoond 'iswitch means insaid second circuit} and switclr' actua-tingimeans drivenby saidfirst-named spring motor and arranged to open and close said secondswitch meanstab pie-determined wound and unwound: positions ofsaidfirstmamedspring motor.

2: A=ma17ine: marker; comprising, a. submerged housing,- a signal 2generator: mounted in said housing including i a mechanical signalstriker, an electric motor drivingesaid striker, an electricr circuitconnecting said electric motorto a power source, a normally open switchmeans in said circuit; a switch-closing element constructed-and arrangedto-close-=sa-id 'switch-meansat pre-deterrnined intervals; a springmotor drivingly connected to said switch-closing means; and' re windi'ngmeans connected to said; spring motor including a-'-Sh'aff reversiblydriven by thewinding and unwinding-of said spring motor, a platemembermounted on said, shaftforrotation therewith, a secondSpFiH-gfmQtOD'PGSiIi0BCd OI1 said plate and connectedgto saidshaftto-be-unwoundby unwinding of the firsbnamed spring motorand to rewindthe latter, a second electric motor-' drivingly connected to said secondspring moton to re-wind the-latter, a. second circuit connecting-saidseeondelectric motor to a power source, asecond switch meansdn-saidseeond circuit, and switch actuating means mounted-on said plate -memberpositioned to open and close said second switch means atpre-determinedangular posit-ions of said plate-member.

Relfereneesfiitedjn the. file of this patent UNIT-ED STATES PATENTS510,758 Adams Dec, 12, 1893 989,250 Gray. Apr. 11,1911 1,292,755Geraghty Ian. 28; 1919' 1,466,284 Harlow Aug. 28, 1923 1,610,779, HewettDec. 14, 1926 1,689,574 Williams Oct. 30, 1928 1;78,5,9 40 Ennes Dec.23; 1930 7 1,912,368, Holi'ng er June 6, 1933 2, 323,Q64 Lustfield Jan.29; 1943;. 2,473,050 Camp June 14, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS;

547,485 Fiance Sept. 23, 1922 174,354- Great Britain July; 19; 1923

